151.
Champion Hill, Duffield Now for something ever so slightly
different...located approximately one third of the way down this short
cul-de-sac is an ornate cast iron column supporting a traditional four-pane
lantern. Nothing different so far; however, this installation was formerly
employed as a "Sewer Gas Destructor Lamp". The primary purpose of these was, as
their name suggests, to remove the build-up of gases and their associated
hazards from sewers. With a flame generated in the lantern by burning town gas,
sewer gases were drawn from the sewer below, and discharged above the heads of
passers-by, in order to dissipate odours. It is unknown whether the post is
still connected to a sewer or not, but the lantern is no longer gas-fired - it
has instead been fitted with what appears to be the solar panel and lighting
unit from an LED garden light - a novel idea! The installation is also in
excellent condition, suggesting that it is maintained by a local individual or
organisation.

The solar panel is visible on this
side of the lantern.

An inspection cover attached to the
column at ground level bears the name of W.E. Farrer, of Birmingham.
William Farrer's company specialised in products that allowed the
venting of sewers.

Old meets...er...older here as we see
the sleeved Stanton 10F column supporting a Thorn Beta 5 35 W SOX
lantern that is the actual street light for this portion of the
road.

Another sewer gas destructor column
of the same type as that seen above exists in Duffield, albeit in a
rather sorry and unloved state. This can be seen on the main A6 when
approaching the village from the south.

What a difference a lick of paint
(and a sense of determination) could make to this installation!